Sonya Massey, shot by Illinois sheriff’s deputy, died of gunshot wound to the head, autopsy finds

CHICAGO (CBS) — Authorities in central Illinois released an autopsy report Friday confirming the victim was a 36-year-old. Sonya Massey died of a gunshot wound to the head after being shot by a sheriff’s deputy in Springfield earlier this month.

According to the autopsy report from the Sangamon County coroner’s office, Massey was shot just below her left eye and exited through the back of her upper neck. The bullet caused a skull fracture, perforated her carotid artery and caused bleeding in her brain.

Massey also suffered minor injuries to her right leg from a blunt object.

Sean Grayson, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Deputy has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated assault with a firearm and official misconduct in the death of MasseyHe has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is being held in the Sangamon County Jail as he awaits trial. He was fired from the sheriff’s office following the shooting.

After learning the autopsy results on Friday, Massey’s family said they are still struggling mentally and emotionally, nearly three weeks after her death.

“I haven’t really been able to sleep. The only time I’ve really been comfortable sleeping is when I’m just laying on the floor. I can’t even sleep in my bed,” said her son, Malachi Hill-Massey. “I really have no words for it. Like I said, I really have no words for it.”

Massey’s uncle, Raymond, said her daughter “has nightmares that are so bad we have to check the room.”

“It makes me so angry when I see my family in so much pain,” Raymond said.

On Friday, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Massey’s family, a Harris adviser confirmed to CBS News.

Grayson worked for six law enforcement agencies as of 2020. He served in the military and documents show he was fired for serious misconduct.

He was also convicted twice for driving under the influence.

“Why did he even have a job as a deputy sheriff after all those warning signs?” said attorney Benjamin Crump.

Crump said Massey struggled with her mental health.

“She needed a helping hand, not a bullet in the face,” Crump said. “She just needed those officers to show her some humanity, not to kill her.”

Bodycam video shows deputy shooting Massey in her home

According to authorities, Massey, a Black mother of two, called 911 in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 6, to report a suspected burglar outside her home near Springfield, Illinois.

The bodycam video shows Grayson and his partner, both of whom are white, arriving at Massey’s home, searching outside the home and talking to Massey at the front door. They are later seen inside her home, and Deputy Grayson instructs Massey to check if a pot on the stove is overheated, and says that they do not need a fire in the house.

Massey went to turn off the fire and picked up the pot. She asked where the delegates were going, to which Grayson replied, “Away from your hot, steaming water.”

Massey responded, “Away from my hot, steaming water?” and then said twice, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus.”

“You better not do it. I swear to God, I’m going to shoot you right in the f***ing face,” Grayson said. He then raised his gun and yelled at Massey to “drop the f***ing pot!”

Massey is seen apologizing and taking cover. Grayson opens fire – three shots are heard.

Massey’s family and friends allege authorities tried to cover up the deadly shooting

The family said If bodycam footage of the shooting had not been released on Monday, no one would have known the truth.

Friends and family of Massey said police first suggested it was a neighbor who had gotten into an earlier argument with Massey and shot her. They later suggested Massey shot herself.

Massey’s oldest son, Malachi, said no one from the police department ever told the family who actually shot Massey. He said he didn’t find out until he saw it on the news the next day.

There are also two upcoming rallies in Chicago calling for justice for Massey. One is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Federal Plaza.

Crump said Massey’s family will attend another rally for justice next Tuesday.